Pressure washer pumps are more or less like other home appliances. With time, they succumb to the wear and tear factor. This means you only need to find the worn out parts and replace them with new ones. There is also the servicing factor which is all about taking your washer for servicing after a period of usage. But over and beyond these factors, there are other problems that can easily compromise how your pressure washer works.  Here’s a brief overview of such problems and how you can fix them.

Oil leaks between the pumping section and the crankcase

There are two probable causes of this problem. The piston rod seals of the pressure washer may be worn out. The O shaped rings on the plunger retainer may be worn out too. The best one can do is to replace these parts with new ones.

Premature packing failure

This is one of the most common pressure washer problems. It can come about due to several reasons. It could be that there is an abrasive object or material in the fluid being pumped. It may also mean that you regularly run your pressure pump without water. Excessive pressure and temperature of the fluid being pumped, worn out plungers and over pressure of pumps can also cause the same problem. You only need to install proper filtration on the pump to prevent abrasive material from finding its way into the pump. Other than that, ensure that you reduce pressure, check on fluid temperature and avoid running the pump without water.

Pump runs but no flow

This may also mean that your pump will fail to prime. There are two ways to fix the problem. First off, try flood suction before restarting the pump. That should solve the problem if the pump runs but no flow occurs. If on the other hand the pump fails to prime, there is a high likelihood that air is trapped inside the pump. You will have to disconnect the discharge hose pipe from the pump. Flood suction the hose then restart the pump. Finally, run the pump until there is no air trapped inside it.

Chattering noise

Again, this is a common pressure washer problem. It is caused by air leakage in inlet fitting or suction hose. Simply remove the suction line then find out if it has a lose line or dirt lodged inside the hose. Remember too to avoid unnecessary bends or kinking the hose.

Low pressure

There are so many glitches that can cause low pressure. It could be a worn out nozzle, which means you have to replace it with a new one of the right size. It could also be because of belt slippage which may force you to invest in a new belt. Leaking in the discharge line or debris trapped in valves can also cause low pressure. Examine these parts and fix them accordingly. Remember to also examine the inlet suction regularly and replace with one of the right size every time it wears out.